How cool are these recycled metal sneakers

We know how much we love anything made with found objects or recycled. Here’s a another great example! American artist Gabriel Dishaw recreates his favourite sneaker designs using old circuit boards, copper wire and other bit and pieces.

‘Using found objects from typewriters, adding machines and old computers, I take the items people no longer have use for and I carefully disassemble these items and then reassemble these together using metal wire creating my junk art. I begin each sculpture with an idea of how can I take these found pieces of useless metal and insignificant objects and create something that everyone can understand and relate to.‘ GD

Probably not that comfortable though..

Social Software and Me

In his article on Core77, it’s nice to hear social software designer Gentry Underwood of IDEO talk about social software like Twitter and Facebook as being in their earliest stages of development (similar to the old Windows 3.1). I think there are definitely some shortcomings in these services that could make them more constructive for users. I feel more comfortable posting Twitter updates than I do on Facebook but why? Maybe Twitter feels a little more informal and the news doesn’t have to be all that groundbreaking or interesting. Or is it the actual interface that appeals to me, or the concept behind it? Facebook is a fascinating amalgam of practically every person I’ve known over the course of my life. It’s almost more of a time capsule than an everyday tool for interaction. I like shooting a message to this person or that whom I haven’t spoken with in years, but the collection of people is precious to me and I hesitate to bore them with my everyday tidbits. Of course, that’s my own choice and not necessarily a drawback of the Facebook interface. I spend most of the time I’m on Facebook growing my crops in Farmville anyways (ok guilty pleasure).

Underwood explains that as social software develops it needs to take psychology of human interaction into account. A tremendous amount of observation and research is necessary in order to determine the most informed and appropriate design. ‘There’s a reason most anthropologists spend months to years in the field producing an ethnography: this is complex, time-consuming stuff. Design projects tasked with creating social software should expect to spend the majority of their time in situ with whatever community or organization the tool is meant to serve.’ He provides this graphic below from Bill Moggridge in Designing Interactions. Moggridge focuses mainly on product design but this insightful hierarchy could apply to any field of design.

For businesses however, social software has recently become an absolute necessity. If you don’t have a Facebook or Twitter presence you are missing out on an entire category of customers, as well as their interaction and feedback. This is exciting because it’s the beginning of an entirely new era of transparency in business. Forty years ago, the CEO of a company sat in his gilded office and gave orders under the cloak of secrecy. The new way of doing business (for most progressive companies – not finance obviously) is to let the public know what you’re doing, and giving the company a voice and personality is crucial to stand out in the marketplace. In advertising as well there’s a great shift towards viral, irreverent marketing messages (i.e. ESPN, Etrade – can you tell my husband watches football). We are not taking ourselves so seriously anymore!

There’s a new site that I think is worth mentioning – Aardvark – I signed up and linked to Facebook and Twitter but haven’t thought of a question yet (or been asked). It’s an interface where you can post any question on any topic and it attempts to connect you with experts in that particular area to answer your question. I think it’s an interesting concept if it gets a lot of use. However, why can’t I see other people’s answers? I guess that’s why it’s more of a social networking tool because you can only see the questions and answers of people in your network? Since there aren’t many of those it makes the tool less useful/interesting for me.

Another interesting point related to the growing use of social software and other innovations is from Nussbaum on the Business Week blog. He laments that the US is lagging other countries in innovation from new technology to the highest levels of government, but he sees potential in the Generation Y ability to innovate. ‘Gen Y is a Learn-Share-Make generation that appears very comfortable with a Design Thinking-type of collaborative, iterative, generative paradigm necessary for innovation. Their use of social media platforms and a general comfort level with digital technology makes Gen Y a born-again innovation generation.’ I did not grow up in the age of social networking sites, but I know the kids that are and they are GLUED to vchat, IM, and whatever new tool crosses their path. Like I’ve said in the past, my natural tendency is to the phone or a slower method of communication but I just love the ease and simplicity of being constantly connected to such a wide network of people. Now I just need some more free time to use it!

The Education of a Designer

Many times since I began working in graphic design people have told me that my designs are minimalist. While in those times I definitely agree, I’m not sure that it’s good to be put into a category at all. Tim Brown discusses the differences of minimalism vs. simplicity in his most recent blog post. He explains that minimalism is a reaction to complexity, and reflects changes on the surface of things. Simplicity is the result of a deep understanding of the concept and organizing and paring down to only the necessary components. He references John Maeda as an expert on the topic of simplicity. Maeda is the President of Rhode Island School of Design and recently wrote a book called Laws of Simplicity. Haven’t read the book yet but just decided to get it on Amazon!

This is really interesting for me, since I’m learning a lot about my design sensibilities in this first semester of school. Minimalism does not necessarily represent simplicity, and simplicity does not necessarily represent minimalism. Sometimes when I’m designing something – postcard, book cover, type exercise, etc – I look at the composition and ask myself what can be taken away but maintain the strength of communication? Is that minimalism or simplicity? Teachers and clients have described my style as minimalist so I wonder if that’s it. However, a composition can be both simple and minimalist. For example, I will post the type composition that I created a few weeks ago. This is a combination of the two, because only the necessary components are there and the strength of the message is not diminished by simplification of form. This was the class that Rick Valicenti was visiting and he liked it – he said he was ‘taking it home with him’.

I look forward to reading Maeda’s book when I have some free time. It looks like it applies mostly to product design but I know he’s done a lot of digital design and programming as well. Maybe it will shed some light on these concepts for me, because as refreshing as minimalism is sometimes given the constant bombardment of visual stimuli in our lives, it seems that simplicity is the next step and requires more in-depth exploration and a stronger concept.

Futuristic Remnants of the Past

There’s something very special about the Anthropologie catalog… always. Rebecca Purcell is a free lance home stylist/art director for the catalog and after getting a glimpse of her studio through Where Women Create Magazine I can easily see her influence on the design. Purcell is also responsible for the retail display for A.B.C. Home throughout the 90’s. Given those two positions, you can probably get a strong feeling for her design sensibilities. She is an avid collector of all objects that are authentic, nostalgic and sometimes dusty and broken. These qualities are reflected in her work with layers of texture, whimsy, craft and subtle mysticism. Purcell defines Modernostalgia as a combination of design styles, giving respect to the life an object has lived and reinventing it by bestowing upon it a fresh purpose.

The following is an excerpt from her latest book, Modernostalgia:
‘As a reaction to our increasingly technological world some of us really need a few old, battered bits around. Nostalgia is only a bad thing when it replaces an interest in what is new, with a misguided desire for an over idealized past that never existed. Second, the “weathered look” so associated with a modern nostalgic aesthetic, is part of reality. Weather happens. During the process of participating in life, every object becomes worn in some respect either from handling or environmental conditions. So an older table, darkened by wax, oils and spills, marked with scuffs and dings, referred to by some as having a nostalgic, even sentimental “look”, is simply a table that has participated in life…

Yes, I know that there are far more serious concerns than styles of décor, fashion (or sports!) etc. but there is nothing more important than trying to live in a way that is fulfilling, that cultivates a genuine feeling of generosity and caring. Humans have a deep, and I believe instinctual, urge to not only survive but thrive, and it is abundantly clear that this requires that we allow ourselves to enjoy those things that bring us pleasure and make us feel fulfilled whatever form they take. Simply put: the things that fascinate and interest us are part of why we want to live… For many, a faded velvet box is not just a pretty bit of decor, it is a reminder that what makes something truly beautiful is the life it lived, the richness of its expression, and the evidence of being touched by hands.’ ~Rebecca Purcell (link to her site here, but be forewarned it will dramatically decrease the size of your browser)

This touches upon the subject of our increasingly technological society and it’s effect on our lives, which I’d like to talk about separately. But first, THE FOBOTS! I haven’t had much of an interest in robots in the past, but in the past couple days I’ve come across some genius robotic sculptures. The images below are from the latest Anthropologie catalog…

[side note: found the Fobots here! www.ifobot.com]
There isn’t a ton of information on the Fobots in the catalog, so I have to assume that they are created from an amalgam of parts from old and new sources. Looks like a few flea market finds combined with old and new trinkets, nuts and bolts. If it weren’t for the price tag – $248 – $428 each – I would scoop up every single one. What happened to the whole ‘modernostalgia’ movement for people who can’t splurge on exclusive modern design? I love the idea of representing ‘the future’ through lots of little objects from the past. Robots have been a symbol of all things futuristic for 60 or so years now, which actually makes them pretty retro. Regardless, I think it’s fun to recycle old materials that have had their own long lives, adding layers of history to new art. All this robot talk makes me think of the amazing 1951 film, The Day the Earth Stood Still, in which robotic visitors from outerspace land on Earth and wreak havoc on unsuspecting citizens in their perfect Norman Rockwell setting. View the original trailer on YouTube here.

Along the same art-from-found-objects theme, Ann P. Smith creates beautiful robot sculpture from broken electronics and machine parts. Check out the sweet animated horse on her site and robot postcards on Etsy.

New Obsession: Opening Titles for Films

David H. DePatie and Friz Freleng created the opening sequences of the original 1963 Pink Panther film, with Freleng directing. This is so deliciously 60’s, and the thing that makes me happiest about these opening titles is that the cartoon pink panther has nothing to do with any characters in the movie. The name Pink Panther actually represents a flawed diamond, and the investigation of it’s theft is the central plot in the film. Peter Sellers is incredibly funny and clueless as Inspector Clouseau, so the cute cartoon conveys the mood of the film perfectly. I watched this film way too many times as a kid… maybe I got roped in with the cartoon panther and waited through the whole movie thinking he would come out again.

The opening title sequence with the cartoon panther was such a success with the United Artists executives that they decided to adapt the title sequence into a series of theatrical animated shorts, the first of which, The Pink Phink won the 1964 Academy Award for Animated Short Film. It’s encouraging to think that a cartoon character completely unrelated to the film became possibly more famous than the film itself. That’s good motivation to think outside the box!

More opening titles: I’m loving the old 007 opening titles, particularly Dr. No. This site has an impressive collection of movie title stills from the 1920’s to present. I think my favorite title style is from the 60’s… for now.

Other (more recent) opening titles that I love are done by Shadowplay Studio. They did the opening titles for Juno completely by hand with hundreds of paper cut-outs and illustration. Then they brought everything together in AfterEffects at the very end… really time-consuming process but beautiful and inspiring result.

In honor of All Hallows Eve… and keeping creativity alive with daily pet projects

In 2006 Stefan G. Bucher embarked on a grand challenge – to create a monster a day for 100 days. It was an fun exercise he invented to keep himself inspired, which grew into a community of fervent fans, fame, fortune, lots of speaking engagements… and a book. Since the first 100 monsters, he’s created over 100 more spooky little creatures.

He uses a brush to apply Sumi ink to bond paper, then blows the ink to create intricate threads and branches. After a few minutes of brainstorming and moving the paper around to see the ink from all directions, he settles on a monster and makes it come to life! On his toolbelt are Sharpie markers, Faber-Castell Pitt and Tombow ABT pens, and Staedtler pigment liners. Besides the incredible illustrations, I am also amazed by the way the community of monster fans grew. During the first 100, Bucher invited his blog readers to contribute stories about the finished monster. Here’s an example of a story for Daily Monster 46 (above) from Sam B on the Daily Monster Blog:

Heywood was a fine gift. I never expected to get a pony for my birthday. Everything about him looked great, but upon closer examination of the aforementioned equestrian, its poor condition was soon discovered. I had been given a mad pony.

Just under fourteen hands tall, Heywood barely made the pony cut. Outcast by his peers for his size, and useless as a rider due to a rare distoangular impaction of his wolf teeth, he was ignored and ridiculed throughout his life.

He was given a small plot of pasture, ten feet by ten feet where he spent his youth. He had grown quite delusional and psychotic from years of seclusion. And after a few years had passed, his owner decided to put him up for sale.

My parents, always ones to jump on a bargain, saw the ad in the local classifieds for a discount pony and thought of me.

I grew to enjoy his company, although he still creeps me out a little with his constant toothy smile. There’s not much rolling around upstairs in ol’ Heywood’s noodle, but his heart is big and he enjoys my companionship. I would have tried to get rid of him at first, but he was a gift pony, and I never once looked him in the mouth.

Bucher also invites people to send their own monsters, which is a fun way to involve the community and spread the creative energy. We all have our ‘monsters’ that need to come out sometimes!

There are a lot of designers and artists that find inspiration by working on daily pet projects. Rick Valicenti for example, who visited my Typography I class last week (!), embarked on a powerful soul-searching mission called Notes to Self. Artist Kate Bingaman-Burt draws one item that she buys each day and posts the image to her Obsessive Consumption blog. She never thought of herself as an illustrator but now most of her freelance projects are clients wanting her ‘daily drawing style’. Like Bucher, she uses social media like her blog, Flickr and Facebook to interact with her fans and other artists. She also has a monthly Obsessive Consumption zine you can find on Etsy.com.

Bombs over Baghdad – an info-graphic

I don’t usually write about war topics, but I came across an incredible (and morbid) info-graphic on WashingtonPost.com. I wanted to share because we hear about people dying in Iraq every day, and each time I hear that there was another car bomb, another attack, my heart sinks. I’ve never seen as clear and concise an account of bombing activity in Iraq, and it helps to see the big picture of this devastating situation.

The info-graphic includes four years – from 2006 through 2009. Each bombing has a tag which contains information on deaths and more details when you click on it. In the bottom left there are two filters that you can control. Slide the year tab over to filter by when the attacks occurred, slide the death tab over to filter by the level of destruction of the attack. Thousands of people have died in Iraq from violent attacks, and as sad as each separate news report is, seeing the totals in a graphic like this really conveys the level of devastation this country is experiencing. People need proper organization of information in order to get the true story, and this is a successful solution.

Hopenhagen by OgilvyEarth

In a cab last night I was so excited that on my little cab TV there was an banner ad for ‘Hopenhagen’. When I pressed the screen we were shown a beautiful ad on taking action to make the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) more successful, so I looked into it this morning. I knew that Tim Brown had blogged about ‘Living Climate Change’, an initiative at IDEO connected with the Hopenhagen campaign. Until today when I found this article on FastCompany.com I was not sure how to get involved. Since reading the article I’ve signed the petition and become an official ‘citizen’ of Hopenhagen, posted the news to my Facebook page and Twitter, created my Hopenhagen ‘passport’ which accumulates points as I take even more action over the next 48 days before the summit. Love it!

It’s a brilliant way to attract global support for the cause. I don’t know if you’re like me, but I feel bombarded with climate change information to the point where I’m less likely to take any call to action. Ok, the sea level will rise and we’ll perish. The US produces more CO2 than a zillion countries combined. What can individuals really do to make an impact, besides drive a hybrid car or use mass transit? The Hopenhagen campaign created by OgilvyEarth uses beautiful imagery to create brand awareness for the cause. Their social media applications interact with supporters on a personal level, and makes us feel that we can actually do something about this that will make a difference. Plus it’s fun to play the accumulating-points-on-your-passport game (at least I think so).

Climate change is a slow-moving, ongoing phenomenon that does not lend itself well to encouraging urgent action. Using the COP15 summit in December as the deadline, this campaign has connected the various supporters of climate change and has the potential to engage the disinterested and climate-weary. A few global brands (like Coke below) are incorporating messages about Hopenhagen in their marketing materials, which I imagine will get the word out.

Even more info on Trees!!!!

Mood Board – Inspires the feeling of protection while walking through the forest and the possibility of tapping into this entirely new source of energy.

Soundscape – Invokes the fragility of the forest ecosystem and inspires the excitement of using an innovative new technology to help people and improve the environment.

Theme – Trees with intelligence and communication capabilities will improve environmental conditions. Using trees as sensors to activate weather alert systems will increase the safety of firefighters and people living near forests by preventing the spread of wildfires. Creating demand for larger trees with greater electrical charge will protect old growth forests and therefore improve environmental conditions.